Liberty Lane residents of Limestone County, Alabama, have been urging county leaders to replace a crumbling single‑lane bridge that spans Limestone Creek. The bridge, which has been in service for decades, is deemed stable for vehicles under three tons, but locals say the lack of guardrails and a recent discovery of an endangered snail at the site make it feel unsafe.
Bridge replacement cost and funding
County Engineer Marc Massey told reporters the full replacement will cost about $1.2 million. The county is applying for a state grant that could cover roughly $500,000 of the superstructure, leaving $600,000 to $800,000 to be funded locally for the foundation and substructure work.
Alternative bypass proposal
County officials are also evaluating an alternate plan that would construct a new road from Liberty Lane to the nearby Greystone subdivision, bypassing the bridge entirely. The bypass would cost between $400,000 and $500,000, but would force drivers to travel an additional five miles, routing them through the Schoolhouse Road and Bethel Road intersection – an area residents say has seen several fatalities in recent years.
“It is a dangerous intersection and we would prefer not to go through there,” said Liberty Way resident Stephen Clark. “In conversations I’ve had with Greystone residents, they’re not willing to accept our traffic and the cemetery traffic through their winding residential streets,” added neighbor Rick Bade.
Community concerns
Three longtime neighbors – Walt Christopher, Stephen Clark, and Rick Bade – have been vocal about the bridge’s condition. They note that the bridge lacks guardrails and that the road leading to it, Liberty Lane, is a gravel surface that often washes out into potholes. A recent addition of guardrails on a nearby 11‑foot drop‑off has improved safety, but residents still feel uneasy.
“People like to feel safe when they’re going home. If you’re crossing a bridge, you want to feel safe crossing that bridge,” said Walt Christopher. “The longer this goes, the less safe we feel.”
Recent incidents
Residents recalled a winter incident when a Limestone County water truck slid on ice at the bridge, lacking a curb to stop the vehicle. One neighbor helped push the truck back onto the road before it fell into the creek.
Inspection and timeline
Engineer Massey said the bridge is inspected every three months and that deterioration has leveled off over the past five to six years. However, the county commission must decide on the preferred project within the next year.
When contacted, District 1 Commissioner David Ruf declined to comment on the ongoing discussions.
What residents can expect
If the county secures the grant and moves forward with the full replacement, the $1.2 million project could restore confidence for daily commuters and eliminate the need for a longer detour. Conversely, the bypass option would preserve the existing bridge but impose longer travel times and route traffic through a higher‑risk intersection.
Local officials continue to weigh the financial and safety implications, while Liberty Lane residents remain hopeful that a timely solution will be reached to protect families and preserve the community’s daily routines.
Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.
